I guess washing finished quilts is a personal thing. I do not wash after finished.....either put it on the bed intended for or gift wrap and put a ribbon on it!!!(along with washing instructions) I watched Fons/Porter yesterday-new series and Marianne mentioned she never washes her quilts when finished....and if they are meant for her house, they remain unwashed for maybe a year......she feels they mellow just being used---so I guess I am in good company.
Relate the "washing" to "store bought".....do you wash everything you purchase from the store before you use it? oops, maybe I should not have said any of this!!!!!!!oh well